Gardener, THA
Holden Forests & Gardens - Kirtland, OH
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Gardener Holden Arboretum Opportunity: The Horticulture & Collections department seeks a gardener to join our team at Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G).The Gardener will use sound horticultural principles to care for and maintain plants in the core garden areas. The Gardener will work under the direction of a Horticulturist and with horticulture and collections staff, seasonal employees, interns and volunteers to care for a wide diversity of plant material. All members of the Horticulture team contribute to elevating the guest experience working and collaborating with departmental staff to provide positive plant-based experiences. This position is based out of the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, OH with occasional travel to the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland, OH. We are looking for a team member who wants to do meaningful work in an organization that values diversity of thoughts and perspectives. Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. HF&G strives for a welcoming workplace where everyone feels that they belong. Position Details: * Reports to Senior Horticulturist * Non-Exempt position * Full Time * Consistent Hours Monday-Friday 7:00am - 3:30 pm * some evening and weekend requirements * Great entry level position for anyone looking for work to gain experience in natural sciences, horticulture or arboriculture or to gain general experience in the green industry Key Responsibilities: Key responsibilities of the Gardener include but are not limited to: * Under the direction of a Horticulturist, cares for and maintains various woody and herbaceous plant species within the core garden areas. This includes: soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilizing, mulching, pruning, staking, transplanting, weeding, bed edging, string trimming, push mowing, etc. * Contributes to the Annual Operation Plan for assigned garden areas along with horticulturist * Participates in group work * Works alongside volunteers, interns and students * Maintains operational and pesticide records in accordance with law * Familiarity with and ability to use industry specific mechanical, electrical, and gas-powered equipment * Maintains a safe and productive working environment for staff and visitors * Positively interacts with guests, members, and the public to create a welcoming atmosphere * Actively participates in organizational meetings, committees, and events to promote a culture centered around trust, sharing, and collaboration * Inspects and maintains tools to ensure safe operating condition and reports problems to Horticulturist * Assists Horticulturist in teaching classes and leading tours, as requested * Assists with the installation and maintenance of interior and exterior displays associated with special shows, events, and exhibitions, as necessary * Participates in leaf, ice and snow removal, as necessary * Participate in internal and external educational opportunities for professional growth * Collaborates to advance various Holden Forests & Gardens' department initiatives * Maintain and develop horticulture qualifications * Observe all safety protocols and always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required for positions and/or specific activities * Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor * May provide occasional on-site support at the Cleveland Botanical Garden campus Qualifications and Skills: * Supports Holden Forests & Gardens' mission, vision, and values * Demonstrate a passion for people and nature * High school diploma or equivalent * Minimum of 2 years of experience in landscaping, garden maintenance or a related field or combination of education in horticulture, landscaping, botany, perennial plant production, ecologically informed horticulture and/or related fields * Must either hold or be willing to obtain, within 3 months of employment, an ODA Pesticide Trained Service Person certification and/or a Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License * Must have or be able to complete in-house training to acquire an OSHA Operator Safety Certification for ATV/UTV, mini excavator, and front-end loader within the first 3 months of employment * Interest in cultivating ornamental and native plants * Desire and ability to work outdoors, year-round, performing manual labor in all weather conditions * Excellent communication skills and willingness to work alone and with a team * Proficient use of Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook (email and calendar), Word, Excel, SharePoint, and OneDrive * A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to participate within a multi-disciplinary team * Maintain a valid driver's license and acceptable vehicle record Physical Requirements Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation: * Willing and able to operate power equipment and preform strenuous, hands-on work year-round in all types of weather conditions * Working outdoors or indoors where the ambient temperature spans subzero to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, performing required tasks in all weather conditions * Transporting oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven, or rocky * Effective vision, hand, and arm dexterity * Operating a variety of machinery and equipment including utility vehicles, pruners, shears, string trimmers, sprayers, blowers and push and riding mowers * Standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, pulling, pushing, sitting, grabbing and lifting * Ability to carry up to 50 lbs. on a repetitive basis daily * Ability to walk an average of 3-5 miles per day in variable terrain; occasionally more Some of the reasons Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work! We offer Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits | Paid Time Off | 8 Paid Holidays a year | 403(b) | Employee sponsored life insurance, long term disability & short-term disability | Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland | Discounts in our stores & cafes | Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open | Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums | Free Employee Assistance Program | And Much More! Apply: Holden Forests & Gardens values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G also provides regular DEAI training for staff, managers, volunteers and Board to create a welcoming and accessible environment. Research shows that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Qualified applicants must submit résumé, cover letter explaining why you are interested in gaining experience in natural sciences, horticulture or arboriculture and how this role is part of your career path and 3 professional references. Holden Forests & Gardens (Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce. We seek skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals to join our staff and enhance our reputation as one of the country's foremost public gardens.
Created: 2024-10-17